Deliberations 2016 (8): The Great Disappointment.

Pioneer advent preacher William Miller (1782-1849) was initially a deist—a believer that God made the world but then abandoned it to run according to certain natural laws.

However while serving as a soldier, he saw evidences that there is indeed a God, who intervenes in human affairs. Embarking on a systematic study of the Bible, he discovered the prophecies of Daniel, which seemed to foretell Christ’s soon return. Miller preached this advent message to an estimated following of 50,000-100,000 “Millerites”.

By applying the Bible principle of a day for a year in prophecy, Miller predicted that Jesus would return to earth in the spring of 1844. He eventually accepted the date of October 22, 1844—set by others—as the date of Christ’s return.

With great anticipation the Millerites waited. On the expected day they abandoned all work in the fields and in their homes - fixing their eyes skyward; searching for the first glimpse of Jesus…… But He did not come…… What a great disappointment.

Miller later wrote “I am not yet cast down or discouraged…I have fixed my mind on another time, and here I mean to stand until God gives me more light—and that is TODAY, and TODAY, until He comes, and I see Him for whom my soul yearns." What faith! Hear those words in this song by Reggie Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMpN64Ay7w4

Indeed, the exact time of Jesus’ return is unknown, but signs foretell that the event is imminent. What are we doing in anticipation? Or are we asleep and unaware? Can anything be worse than the great tragedy when Jesus returns but does not take us with Him because of our non-acceptance of Him?

Deliberations 2016 (7): Cultural Differences

We learn the language of the culture in which we are immersed. Even birds sing the songs they hear around them. Scientific studies show that birds hatched and reared in isolation, in soundproof chambers, instinctively sing—but very simply. Conversely, birds reared in the wild sing more complex songs – learned from the other birds around them. The song is handed down culturally from generation to generation.

Technological advances bring our geographical boundaries closer and closer, and instead of having sharp differences in persons’ physical appearance, we seem to be having more of a melting pot of people. Indeed it is more apt to describe a 21^st Century child as having a “global look”, rather than being purely Caucasian/African/Indian, etc.

Yet, while many persons learn to appreciate cultural differences, prejudice still exists around us. Sadly, prejudices are rarely based on truth, or even personal experiences – they were simply learned from those around us—an act of acquisition outperforming reason! Consider irrational fears such as fear of snakes, the number 13, or the color blue, for example.... So babies learn the prejudices of those around them—like bird song!

As Christians, God has called us to relinquish our prejudices and to love ALL His children. We are reminded that in His sight we are all equal – “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, for we are all one in Him”, Galatians 3:28.

Contemplating “thenextgeneration” makes me wonder what prejudices I’m unwittingly passing on….. Why don’t we let our cultural differences serve as enrichment, rather than barriers? Our reminder could be the rainbow, whose various colors enhance its overall beauty; and which would certainly not look as perfect if even one color was missing.

•  I love the song, “Love in any language”. This is the version by Sandi Patti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md0dTgNpGq0
• In one of his songs Bob Marley said that he’d like to see a world where the color of one’s skin is of no more significance than the color of one’s eyes! Until then there will be “War, Everywhere War”.

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Interesting article posted on Yahoo today – April 7^th 2016:

Clothing retailer Gap has pulled an ad that some critics say delivers a "racist" message. In the ad, a 12-year-old white girl from a youth performance group is leaning her arm on a black 8-year-old fellow troupe member, (who also happens to be her adopted sister). Critics said the ad gives a message of "passive racism."

"As a brand with a proud 46-year history of championing diversity and inclusivity, we appreciate the conversation that has taken place and are sorry to anyone we’ve offended," a Gap spokeswoman said in a statement. "This GapKids campaign highlights true stories of talented girls who are celebrating creative self-expression and sharing their messages of empowerment. We are replacing the image with a different shot from the campaign, which encourages girls (and boys) everywhere to be themselves and feel pride in what makes them unique."

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Cultural Differences (3)

Like many other persons I’m an armchair basketball aficionado! Watching Houston Rocket’s Clint Capela play, and listening to his bio, made me sit up and reflect again on how small the world has become! 

This was the information shared: Capela is just 21 years old. His parents are from the continent of Africa – ANGOLA and the CONGO. He was born in SWITZERLAND, and spent his high school years in Paris, FRANCE. He has played for Switzerland, and now plays in the USA. What could be more global than that?

And there are other players that share a similar type of cultural diversity.

So why are there still cultural differences among us?